Inspiration Can Take Unusual Forms
Today I am hard at work researching my WIP, so this post will be short. The book was inspired by my recent research on Victorian kitchens, and the idea was so captivating to me that I shelved my other project and wrote a complete outline within a day. Given that I am generally a total pantser (which admittedly hasn't worked out so well for me) the fact that I have an outline at all is quite promising.
But I digress. This weekend I toured the Hay-McKinney House at the Western Reserve Historical Society. In the parlor there was a courting chair. For those who haven't seen one, a courting chair (also known as a "tête-à-tête") consists of two conjoined chairs, linked in the center but facing in opposite directions, in the shape of an S. There are pictures of several types here: http://ideezine.blogspot.com/2011/06/sothis-is-courting-chair.html. Courting couples in this chair could sit very close together without touching, and thus remain outwardly proper.
I have been unable to come up with a good account of the origin of
this interesting piece of furniture, at least in the time I allotted to the search. One says that they were first designed in the 18th century; Encyclopedia Brittanica says that the love seat originated in the 17th century, but it was not until the 19th century that the S-shaped version was designed. Regardless of its beginnings, the tête-à-tête was extremely popular during the
Victorian period.
As I was looking at the chair, which dated from 1865 (which, coincidentally, is the year in which my WIP takes place), I could almost picture my hero and heroine sitting in it, whispering decidedly improper words to each other. It was all I could do not to race home and start writing.
Have you ever been inspired by an object? What was it, and where did it take you?
5 comments:
Nottoway Plantation house has a convex mirror--called the "chaperone mirror." Its surface is curved to capture the reflection of any area of a room. One glance and you know what your daughter is up to with her beau over in the corner. Great post!
The Hay-McKinney House had one of those mirrors too. You really can see the entire room in it! Thanks for stopping by, Angelyn.
Yes, I've been inspired by Victorian hair jewelry to write a Steampunk story.
I find the pieces both creepy and sentimental. And I loved the blog.
I've seen the courting chairs. Someone I knew had one. And I often thought the same as you did. Being turned away from each other but being close enough to whisper in each others' ears would be quite sensuous and naughty.
Teresa R.
I can't say that I have, but, my great-grandmother had a courting chair.
@Teresa--I can definitely see how hair jewelry might inspire someone, although I would agree with you that there is a certain creep factor to some of the pieces. :)
@Ella--did you ever sit in your grandmother's chair? I've only ever seen one in a museum, and I've always wondered if they were comfortable. Some of them look very cozy, while others look like they were intended to discourage a long sit.
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